Les Misérables, Book 7: The Champmathieu Affair, Chapter 10 summary
Book 7: The Champmathieu Affair, Chapter 10 of 365 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Champmathieu denies stealing apples or being Jean Valjean, but the prosecutor treats his confused speech as calculated deception and three witnesses confirm the disputed identity. As the audience turns against the prisoner and the President prepares to summarize, M. Madeleine steps forward and calls out to the witnesses.
What happens
- Champmathieu describes exhausting work, his daughter’s suffering, and his employment with Monsieur Baloup, whom the court cannot locate.
- He denies theft, says he finds the apple branch on the ground, and insists that Champmathieu is his name.
- The district attorney repeats Javert’s testimony identifying the prisoner as Jean Valjean and requests renewed questioning of three convicts.
- Brevet, Chenildieu, and Cochepaille each identify the prisoner as their former fellow convict.
- Champmathieu’s responses provoke uproar, and the President prepares to summarize the arguments.
- A spectator steps into the hall, calls to the three witnesses, and receives recognition as M. Madeleine.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Champmathieu presents his confusion as a result of poverty and limited education. The prosecutor instead treats that confusion as evidence of deliberate deception.
Quick check
Why does Javert not return for renewed questioning?
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